Ugh, Todd Wellemeyer. That’s really all you need to know about last night’s offensive debacle in which the Phils could not figure out the veteran righty who sported a 8.16 ERA going into action. He finished after seven innings, allowing two earned. The Phils mustered just one extra-base hit.

On the bright side, this is the end of the Phillies nine-game road trip that spanned Atlanta, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Cole Hamels will look to close it out with a win and at least hit Philly on a high note. Hamels has been his usual consistently inconsistent self. His ERA is above five, he has one very strong start, and three very-average starts mixed in.

On the other side is the reigning two-time NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Not exactly what you want to see when you’re trying to leaving San Fran with a victory and some hope. The Kid is 4-0 with an ERA of one. That’s all, just normal stuff for him. He’s the only guy in baseball keeping pace with Roy Halladay on the mound, and luckily enough, the Phils get him today. He’s as nasty as they come, and he looks like your little brother. If they can figure out a way to get to Lincecum, something they couldn’t do against the likes of Wellemeyer, Sanchez, and Benson, the could plant the seeds for a positive homestand starting Friday.

Since singing a $125 million contract extension earlier in the week, Ryan Howard has struggled. He hasn’t homered since the Phils were in Houston (64-straight at-bats). I feel one coming today. Just a hunch, but damn does he need it.

Had this one the other night at the one and only Grey Lodge Pub and it was rather tasty. It’s dark color is a bit of a misnomer; it’s much smoother than it lets on. It’s meant to be paired with a stogie, something I’m not into, so pair it with some quesadillas, something I did do. It was a fantastic pairing. There are hints of toffee and caramel in it too, so if you’re a coffee drinker, it’s something you might enjoy as well. – By Pat

if lincecum gets one win after the age of 30 I will be very suprised.
He is a freak at this point. but I dont see a 140 pound guy with bad mechanics lasting long term. Fun to watch now though.
But get a haircut son.

dammit! I just remembered the game was on, and it looks like I turned it on just in time to see Cole do it again. Did he look good for the first 5 innings? Oh, crap, this pitching is getting a little unnerving….

J–i agree that we are too hard on Hamels. But that’s not what happened. In a span of 6 batters, he intentionally walked one, retired the pitcher, and allowed the other four to reach base. Single, Double, IBB, out, Walk, Single. That’s a stretch that’s going to kill your team, and that’s what he did. Let’s hope our offense can do something in the last three innings, otherwise we’re going home swept.

Stop deluding yourself. A better pitcher would have gotten the guy out (and it STILL would have been a good ab) or gotten a ground ball TO someone. I can give up walks and hits and you can cheer for me, too. Don’t need to pay Cole to do it.

Cole pitched really well today. the Giants’ rally happn. inpart because our pitchers have no faith in this O. Pitchers are trying to perfect on every single pitch. Anyone with half a brain knows that this is the formula for dis. O is still lost in orbit. Stop bashing Cole for no reason.

you seem emotional. that skit they did on It’s Always Sunny… The one were one of the guy’s wrote a luv letter to Chase must have really been true. I guest they just switched it from Cole to Chase to protect your indenity huh? what a shame… I recomm you try a woman like the rest of us men on this board. They’re awesome!

First time in who knows how long where every pitcher in the rotation has a loss one time through? Halladay L, Moyer L, Hamels L…all we need is kendrick and the spot starter. I see it happening, no doubt.

Why try him old man?
use anyone else
he doesnt have the mindset to close
hell one legged lidge id rather have in a closing situation
and madson i like and is good. he CANNOT close
thats part of life. learing means understanding what does and doesnt work. Madson closing does not work

Andrew, please tell me you did not type “Madsen is incapable of a shut down inning as a closer” Are you kidding me? Madson has got to be the WORST closer in MLB. ANOTHER freakin blown save. I saw who was coming up and I said game over, walk off. I was thankful that he didnt give up a home…yet. Wow, way to completely DE-moralize a team. This stuff is what kills teams, and their moral. They come from behind in the 9th, tie it up, take the lead in the 10th, and we cant hold onto a lead AT all. If the bullpen is NOT addressed this will create issues in a pennant race (see 2007 Mets…AND 1964 Phillies).

I wish I had a more positive outlook. Blown saves dont seem to help the mentality of this team. I see BS, I think loss. 🙁 Please prove me wrong. I will gladly eat crow, but seeing how HORRIBLE the bullpen is, I dont see that happening. We pretty much need a 5 run lead for a win anymore. Even if we do win the Division, if the bullpen pitches like this in the postseason, we will be swept.

I don’t disagree Josh, I probably would have let Madson bunt too but in fairness to Chuck, I don’t know how comfortable he was with Madson doing that. And now in retrospect, if Madson did not get a bunt down Ibanez would not have scored. Or maybe he would have regardless.

I had to drive home after they tied it… I just hate feeling like they got lucky the Giants manager screwed up but I’ll take a win any way it comes… not saying we won already but, if we do, I won’t complain… much. 😛

Lidge should be back this weekend. Should. Speaking of coming up…pretty sure Stephen Strasburg is going to be up for the Nat’s sometime next month. I have seen him pitch twice for the Harrisburg Senators and he is absolutely legit. Give him 2-3 starts in AAA where he dominates and then he makes his debut. Watch out for the Nat’s.